Update

Yes, I'm in my pajamas again!

Hello Everyone!

It's been awhile since I've posted so I'll try and update you all. Julia and Jameson are doing fantastic and are two happy babies! We are so lucky and we're having a great time. The summer is moving quickly so we are trying to do as much as possible. It's not easy working around Jameson's naptime! Today we went to the pool and we lasted about an hour. Jameson was turning blue and they both were pruned up. They do love splashing around so they have lots of fun.
Julia has caught up to Jameson in weight since she discovered table food. Mostly bread right now but she'll try anything. She also started walking on Sunday so we're in big trouble! She is still extremely curious so keeping up with her will be a challenge. She isn't too steady right now but 3 steps on Sunday has become about 7 today. Jameson is perfecting the perfect standing position so I guess he'll be right behind her. I have never seen any child so determined to do something-he must fall down and get up a 100 times a day.
On Saturday their cousin Isabelle turned "big girl 4" so they attended their first birthday party. Next year they'll be participating and I won't have them next to me on a blanket!
Julia has started a music class since she has showed so much interest in it. I certainly don't want her learning singing or dancing from me (or Dave) so once a week her and I go to a class with other children her age. She is just watching right now and not participating much but she is fascinated by everyone else. Jameson starts a different type of class soon so I'll keep you posted.
They are both so much fun I can't believe how exciting everyday is. Yes, they're still one and all that comes with that but I am amazed at how well they are adjusting to everything. Everyday they show me something new -Jameson is so proud he can say "hi" and do peek-a-boo-Julia now knows many words and gestures and of course the walking. She lights up when her Daddy walks in and can't wait to wake him in the morning. She kisses him hello and kisses me good- bye!
That's our update. Between the zoo, cookouts, playtime with cousins and visits with grandparents we are having a great summer.
They'll soon get to meet their cousin Chris who is on a military break next week...we can't wait!

We couldn't wait to get in!

Hi Everyone!

Our new pool was set up today but we didn't wait for it to be filled! This is so much fun!
Hope you're all having a great summer!

Love,
Julia & Jameson

Happy 4th!

Just us

Aren't we cute?

Here is an update on us-

On Monday Julia decided it was time to do something new so she grabbed onto the shelf of the changing table and pulled herself up! Ta daa! Dave and I were sitting on the floor with them and just watched the whole thing, shaking our heads saying "oh no". She continued to practice and is looking for help in walking more and more. The walker isn't as much fun now that she has people to hold her hands!

Tuesday we came home from the doctors and Jameson crawled over to his walker and pulled himself up! Yikes, we're in trouble. He's been practicing for weeks so it was a great accomplishment. His hard work paid off.

Last week was a slow week due to the after effects of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella shot from the week before. We had 2 very needy babies with slight fevers and the need to be held at all times. Poor things, they just felt yucky for days.

Julia and Jameson are getting great reviews from their doctors and continue to amaze us.

This week we have to add some new fattier foods to their diet and we're working on more textured food so wish us luck!

Happy Birthday Gianna!

Today we celebrated Gianna's 2nd birthday! With her and Jameson celebrating only a few days apart and so much going on every weekend we took a ride today and exchanged birthday gifts. Wait til Daddy sees the picture of Jameson on Gianna's new pink 4-wheeler.

Anyway, I'm posting a picture with Jameson in his new favorite position...laying in my arms, and still sucking his thumb. This is a boy who barely wanted to be held a few weeks ago. I'm in trouble now!

Happy birthday kids!

I'll get that candle!

Me and Daddy trying to figure out what to do with that candle. I'm not interested at all in the cupcake but my birthday was so much fun I was first to go to bed...again.

It's My Birthday!!

Hi Everyone!

Today's my birthday and I am 1! This is me watching everyone work at Gramma's while I enjoyed the sun and toys on the lawn. It is Mother's Day too so after breakfast at Auntie Donna's we all went to Gramma's so she could get new flowers planted and stuff like that. (Daddy and I had to walk down because we fell asleep and when we woke everyone was gone!) Then I napped again and when I woke up there was a party for me!

All of my grandparents were there and Auntie Kim and Uncle Paul and my cousins came. I got my first truck (fire!) and loads of new clothes. Wait until you see me in my bathing suit and sandals!

Love,

Jameson

Our birthday present to Daddy is...sleep!

Happy Birthday Daddy!! Today is a great day for everyone! Another "first" and our present to Daddy is that we both slept through the night until 7:00 am! We're also drinking milk and exploring the whole house via walkers so watch out.
Pictures to be posted after Daddy's party tonight...

Put the camera down and get me my breakfast.

Some firsts

Happy Monday everyone! Julia going to her first mass and Jameson on his first trip to Lefoyer!

We had quite a few firsts last week! We went to the Emerald Square Mall, Lefoyer and yesterday we went for a long walk at Auntie Kim and Uncle Paul's house. Jameson was completely wiped out after his first time outside for more than a few minutes. Julia liked their dog so much she licked his nose-more than once. On Saturday I took Julia to Wrentham Village and the market. Her first time in the fresh air was pretty exhausting too-of course her curiosity kept her head spinning the whole time but she slept a little better. We also tried shoe shopping since they're both still in socks/slippers but their feet are too small for regular shoes so we will have to wait. They are both in the 3 month range for shoe size. At their doctors visit last week Julia had gained about 3 oz and Jameson 7 oz. He has another ear infection but is doing great.

Julia did great at her first mass yesterday. She would have liked more attention from the people beside us but she kept herself busy looking around. She took a 2 1/2 hour nap afterwards (another first) so it was a good day. Jameson is moving around well in his walker now and Julia helps herself up on her feet once in awhile. She still pretends to me that she can't crawl but when she thinks I'm not looking...

Can you believe it's been a month? Friday was Julia's one month "Gotcha Day" and Saturday was Jameson's. On Wednesday we will have been home a month. Dave might say it feels like a lot longer! Neither of us can believe how much they've changed and grown developmentally in such a short time. And as hard as it is to drag yourself out of bed in the morning sometimes, their smiles when they see you make it worth it-it's amazing.

Well, Sesame Street is almost over-have a great day everyone!

Ann

Good Morning!

Hi All,

Here's an update on Julia and Jameson! All is well and they are feeling pretty good this week. Their health improves every day and we are trying new foods. The most amazing is how much they've changed. They are growing, getting more comfortable in their surroundings and know their names. Both have done something new every day. Jameson is now sitting up and trying very hard to crawl. Right now he just goes backwards and often finds himself under a chair. Julia crawls when I'm not looking and is dancing and waving. Jameson started trying to imitate her this week and also waves and claps like his sister.
We've had some visitors this past week and they love the attention. Thanks to everyone who came by. Auntie Melissa and the kids came down from NH and brought a sandbox! We can't wait for the warmer weather now! But right now we'll settle for better weather so we can go outside.
Some of you didn't know you could send messages through this site. For those of you who want to send us a message you can just click on the "comment" section below each post on this blog and type in what you want to say. Please include your name.

Thanks for tuning in!

Ann

Happy Easter!

Profile

Name: Jameson Emery
Age: 11 months (almost)
Height: 27"
Weight: 16.5lb
Skin: whiter than Mommy's

Hair: fair
Personality: goofy
Favorite food: anything in a bottle and I can eat fast
Favorite toy: my hands
Looks: too handsome for words

Nickname: sweet face (don't tell the ladies)

A little about me (my Mommy will type since I'm still learning)

I LOVE to sleep and food makes me so excited I lose my breath. Really. When I first arrived I only took a bottle, but Mommy and Daddy insisted every day that I try this spoon thing and they were right, it's pretty great. I thought I could show them the bottle was all I needed but I'm starting to learn they have some pretty good ideas. I now get just as excited when I see a jar as I do when I see a bottle. Can you tell I'm eating by the difference in the pictures from last week?

My sister is not very quiet but thankfully I am a sound sleeper so I don't usually hear her screaming or complaining that she needs to get up at all hours. Even during the day she has a lot to say but I just listen or tune her out. I've heard people say that's how it is when you're older too so just get used to it.

I'm trying to crawl but sometimes it's just easier to roll to where I need to go. Now that I'm eating all this great stuff I will probably get big and strong. Yesterday at the doctors we found out I gained over a pound in 1 week! Everyone said I needed it so that's fine with me!

I think I'm really starting to like it here. I've met too many people to remember them all but I know I have 4 grandparents because they come over all the time and don't let me get any rest when they're here. I thought I could have quiet time when Mommy is busy cleaning up after me but they don't let me sneak in any sleep between naps! I think I'm going to have to learn to sit up by myself too because everyone is always on me about it. Geez, I always thought my smile would get me anything I wanted but the pressure I'm under to perform is unbelievable!

Well, that's it for now. I have to go to bed early if I want my 11 hours...especially with Julia waking me up so early.

Love,

Jameson

It's My Birthday!!

Hi Everyone!

Today I turn 1 year old! Here's me when I woke up and Mommy was singing to me. I had a great day (except for the shots at the doctors office) and lots of fun. We had cupcakes and everyone sang to me and took lots of pictures. Jameson fell asleep early and missed out but I'll make sure I don't miss his birthday so I can get some more frosting. I love that "Emery tradition" of sticking my fingers in it!

Thanks to everyone who sent me birthday wishes...I LOVE the attention!

Julia

We're home!!

Hi Everyone, we made it!! Boy, did that take a long time, huh? When our Mom has time to tell you about our crazy week last week she will fill you in, although we do keep her very busy. But we just wanted to say hello while we're awake and in a good mood! Can't wait to meet you all!

Love and kisses,

Julia and Jameson

Awww, the babies room

Hi Everyone, here are some pictures of the room and this will probably be our last post for awhile. Thank you for all your well wishes.

We finished it just in time! Julia has a beautiful set of furniture (thanks Mom!) that should last her a very long time since the crib is convertable. Our wonderful friends Melissa and Joe have let us borrow a crib for Jameson who will move into our room when the house is complete.

Russia, here we come!

Finally, we're on our way

I can't believe the time has finally come. Tomorrow we fly to Moscow. Almost to the day it will be a year for this adoption. I remember last St. Patty's Day running around trying to get our paperwork in so it would be "the day" but it didn't happen and the 23rd is the day. March 23rd our dossier was registered and we officially became waiting parents. For a good nine months before that we were researching adoption and agencies and going through the homestudy process. It felt like it would never come, there were delays, setbacks and more delays. Lots of "holding our breathe" waiting for documents and accreditation. Now yesterday I had the "I'm not ready for this" panic! I can't believe it's here.
This has been a crazy 2 weeks that I already hardly remember. Very busy getting everything ready and worrying we might miss something like a signature, picture or copy of something. Our paperwork all had to be redone because it was expired. Some expire every 90 days, the rest after 1 year. And all the paperwork we've done in the past 16 months has to come with us. I'm really glad we have a printer, copy machine and photo printer! Had I known how many times I'd be asked to overnight something I would have set up an account with Fed Ex...
Last night we packed and we have no idea how we're going to fit 4 pieces of luggage, 2 carry on's and 2 strollers into a Renault. Much less get it all there. Our good friends gave us bags of hand me down's for the kids so we can leave many things behind and 1 piece of luggage is gifts and donations so by the time we leave we should have a lot less "stuff" so we can carry Julia and Jameson. I am trying to picture us each carrying a backpack, baby on the front and 2 pieces of luggage. Does the weight in the backpack have to equal the baby weight so we don't tip over?! We did get them each a seat on the plane, even though they are not able to sit by themselves it will give us all some room to stretch out. We're hoping they'll sleep, but yes, it's going to be a long ride!
Tomorrow will be a long day as we will be in NY for about 8 hours waiting for the Moscow flight. I'm anxious now, I can't imagine what tomorrow will be like. We can't wait to see them again. There is a 9 hour time difference between Moscow and RI for those of you counting.
We wish you all a Happy St. Patrick's Day and St Anthony's Day! To our friends at the Celtic and the Lamoureux's on Saturday and anywhere else there is a celebration, we are with you in spirit and are toasting you about 9 hours earlier than you are toasting us!
Slainte and Nazdrovia! Health (Irish) and Cheers (Russian)
Steven, *Happy Birthday *May you live to be 100 years, with one extra year to repent (maybe 2!). And don't forget the pickle!

O What a Night

Almost 2 weeks ago our family threw an amazing baby shower in honor of Julia and Jameson coming home. I haven't posted earlier because we just finished opening the gifts! Just kidding, but really it was amazing and lots of fun. Julia and Jameson now have a beautiful room full of everything they need and more books and toys than they can play with. Everyone seemed to have a good time and of course the food was great! Prime rib and chocolate covered strawberries?!!
The amount of thought and detail that went into everything just shows how lucky we are to have such a wonderful, thoughtful family. How great were those centerpieces designed by two very special people at PAZO Designs? And the cake! The picture on the cake is a copy of a picture drawn by orphans at Maria's Children, an arts rehabilitation center in Moscow. Maria started teaching children to paint in the 90's and now her center teaches art, education and helps with job training. They have expanded to other cities and without these services many of these children would have aged out of the system and ended up on the streets of Russia. They wouldn't have known they could be someone. I met some women from the organization at an adoption conference when I was looking at the beautiful pictures they had brought and now we regularly buy note cards and calendars and donate art supplies. The picture on the cake is my favorite called "Russia and America" depicting well known buildings from each country and a rainbow connecting them. It was beautifully done. Thank you Kim.
Thank you to everyone for such a memorable night. Julia and Jameson are two lucky babies to come into such a big, wonderful family. We love you all.

We have a date!!

We have a court date!! Getting the call today was like getting the referral all over again, but now we have babies to picture! We had hoped to go sooner but in 1 month (a year after submitting our paperwork) we will be parents!
We'll spend St. Patty's Day in Moscow (sorry gang) and on the 19th we'll get to see Julia and Jameson again. We haven't seen them since February 7th but of course their pictures are everywhere. Our court date is the 20th which makes it official, and they will be driven from Orsk to Orenburg where will all stay together while the paperwork is completed. This will hopefully only take a couple of days and then we all fly to Moscow for more paperwork and an embassy visit. Two other couples from our first trip have the same itinerary so we'll all be in court and have appointments together.
I'm too excited to type so I'll post again soon!

More waiting and preparation

Well, we've been home over a week now and starting to sleep normally again. Lots to do in preparation for 2 little ones and their room is starting to come together. I can't wait to see it completed.
This new waiting is extremely hard so staying busy is necessary. We are waiting to be told when we can go back to Russia for the actual adoption. Once they tell us our court date we can schedule the trip and we must arrive 2 days early. We could have a month to prepare or 2 weeks! Trying to prepare for the ride home with 2 infants is tricky also.
We stay in touch with the other waiting parents and we are all anxious to hopefully hear something this week. We would love to travel together again. Parents from the west are having a hard time finding warm enough baby clothes to bring with them and we are all struggling to find clothes that will fit babies whose sizes we do not know. It is awfully fun though!
When we arrived home we had a list of paperwork we needed to complete waiting for us. More paperwork! It took the week to get it all done and now we just fill out papers as needed. We also got a message from our architect that our house addition plans are almost done! That means we have to start making decisions and picking things out. How exactly we're going to do all this in the next few months is another question :)
I'll be sure to keep you all updated as we get more information. I'm having fun reading your posts!